What 3 channel amp to get?

[BrentSSL]

I'm looking at a 3 channel rectifier, Framus cobra or dragon (not sure the difference) and the awesome 5150iii for a new amp for a hard rock metal cover band. Just looking for thoughts and opinions. I really am leaning towards the 3 channel rec due to reliability familiarity with the amp and simplicity of changing tubes without biasing any tubes. But I'm really looking for a good Mesa Marshall mix any other amp suggestions would be awesome.

 

[acalaf]

recto reborn

 

[BrentSSL]

/\/\ I really just can't get with the Multi watt I hate how they sound in person

 

[Buckeyedog]

How about one of those PWE Event Horizon amps?? Supposed to sound really good. Haven't heard one in person myself though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WW1JMcwMiU

 

[Racerxrated]

You already know the answer. Used 5153 50. 700 bucks. Go get one.

 

[ChadVanHalen]

Just got a 5153 and yep, if you want channel switching there you go

 

[BrentSSL]

^^ like to sell my rev F first lol

 

[Racerxrated]

Since I've had 2 5153s I was contemplating a Cobra as a change of pace a few weeks back. But I went with a JMP 2203 instead. Cobra seems like a killer amp though, especially for 1K used.

 

[Fuego]

Engl Steve Morse is a killer 3 channel. The Invader 2 is the shit but it's 4 channel.

 

[dirtyfunkg]

Fryette Sig: X or UL are good. Sig:X is good if you want something between the Mesa and Marshall camps.

 

[Oblivion DC]

Well I sold my Cobra and a 6505+ to fund a 5153 Stealth so yeah I'd go for the 5153. The Cobra is an amazing aggressive amp but it's picky as to what pickups it likes, picky about what cabs it likes and the loop is a pain in the ass.

 

[BrentSSL]

Oblivion what's changing the tubes like on a framus? Is it simple like a rectifier or do I need to bias them every time

 

[Oblivion DC]

Oblivion what's changing the tubes like on a framus? Is it simple like a rectifier or do I need to bias them every time

You need to bias them - but the Cobra has bias test points at the back of the amp as well as an adjustment port. Get a multimeter and set it for volts. It'll give you a fairly accurate reading. You will need to know the plate voltage in order to set the bias but once you learn what it is you won't need to open the amp up again.

EDIT: Not sure what kind of sound you're going for but this is a room recording of my old Cobra. Just some noodling, testing levels and feedback, nothing special.

https://soundcloud.com/oblivion_dc/framus-cobra

 

[Dave L]

The Dragon is similar to the Cobra, but more of a high gain heavy rock amp than a straight-up metal machine.

 

[rcm78]

The 5153 seems like a no brainer unless you need a good clean channel. Then I'd look at the 20th XTC or any version of the PT-100.

 

[RockyStar]

Herbert
XTC

 

[sinnersmoon]

ENGL Invader 100 covers a lot of ground

 

[Badronald]

I love the Triple Rec.
Fantastic amp. Covers everything. Has good cleans.

 

[BrentSSL]

Thanks so much guys keep suggestions coming

 

[Beyond Black]

Oblivion what's changing the tubes like on a framus? Is it simple like a rectifier or do I need to bias them every time

You need to bias them - but the Cobra has bias test points at the back of the amp as well as an adjustment port. Get a multimeter and set it for volts. It'll give you a fairly accurate reading. You will need to know the plate voltage in order to set the bias but once you learn what it is you won't need to open the amp up again.

EDIT: Not sure what kind of sound you're going for but this is a room recording of my old Cobra. Just some noodling, testing levels and feedback, nothing special.

https://soundcloud.com/oblivion_dc/framus-cobra

I remember this audio clip from an ampfest video. You were playing some sort of white Rhoads V. That was an FJA modded Framus, correct? That amp sounds killer.